Originating in China, green tea has been around for centuries. It is known for its numerous health benefits and is widely consumed for its refreshing taste and soothing aroma. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. In addition to its health benefits, green tea also offers a calming effect, making it a popular choice for those looking to relax and unwind. With its delicate flavor and natural goodness, it has gained popularity worldwide and is now enjoyed by people of all cultures and backgrounds. From sencha to matcha, the best green teas are often consumed as well for their lightly caffeinated properties for those looking for a different option than their morning coffee. However, its low caffeine content ensures that it can be enjoyed throughout the day without causing jitters or disrupting sleep patterns.

Of course, green tea has been sporting benefits galore for as long as it’s been around. But, new research reveals that green tea may contain an ingredient capable of reducing harmful plaques in the brain that leads to the development of Alzheimer’s. Green tea catechins and resveratrol inhibit the growth of sticky beta-amyloid plaques. When this protein clumps together in the brain, it disrupts neural cells and leads to the telltale signs of Alzheimer’s, such as memory loss and confusion. 

Prior studies show a daily cup may improve brain function and even fight obesity. Now scientists say the traditional Chinese drink could hold the key to beating cancer. According to researchers at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, green tea may switch on a gene called p53, which blocks the development of tumors. The protein destroys damaged cells or stops them from dividing as repairs are carried out. An antioxidant found in green tea, however, improves its efficiency, the study shows.

That’s a whole lot of power in one little tea bag. While studies continue to follow the effects of green tea’s properties and antioxidants on our health, we have researched across numerous expert sources to bring you today’s list of the top five best green teas you can buy now. Our list of the best green teas is based on the most frequently recommended products across 10 expert reviews. Don’t see your favorite on the list? We would love to hear from you in the comments below. 

The List: 5 Green Teas Most Frequently Recommended By Experts

1. Rishi Tea Sencha Green Tea

The first spot on our list goes to the Rishi Tea Sencha. This no-frills green tea is “certified organic, non-GMO, and 100% green tea. Sencha tea has a delicate flavor profile with sweet and bright earthy notes, making it an easily drinkable beverage. Rishi sources their sencha tea from Kyushu Island in southern Japan, and each box contains 15 sachets filled with organic sencha green tea leaves,” describes VeryWellFit.

“Sencha is a Japanese green tea that’s easy to identify by its long, thin leaves and easy to drink throughout the day thanks to its moderate caffeine content. It can contain a range of flavors but typically leans toward the grassier, vegetal side. Rishi Tea’s sencha strikes a great balance with a predominantly hearty taste that’s underlined by a light sweetness,” says The Spruce Eats.

“Mild in both its flavor and its caffeine content, the Rishi Tea Sencha Organic Green Tea is a great choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike. This is a great tea to have on hand for sipping and savoring, whether for comfort on a cold day or iced to help hydrate yourself for a workout session. We love it for the great value, the earthy taste, and the sustainable business practices, right down to the eco-friendly packaging,” writes Active.

2. Vahdam Green Tea

The runner-up spot goes to Vahdam Green Tea. If you’re skeptical of green tea, this is our pick for an easy first try. “What set it apart was a very subtle smokiness that half the group could taste and disliked and the other half couldn’t even pick up on (which is just proof that our palates really are so different!). This inconsistency resulted in a lack of unanimity, but a cup we’d all, at the end of the day, put our pinkies up for,” notes Today.

“If you prefer loose-leaf, try this green tea, hand-picked in the Himalayan region of India. We love that the packaging is certified carbon- and plastic-neutral (meaning every time the company emits carbon or uses plastic, they remove the same amount from the environment),” explains MBG Food.

“This product is incredibly smooth with a rich yet mellow taste that even the pickiest tea drinker will love. The leaves are packaged in thin, spacious bags so there’s enough space in the tea bag for the leaves to unfurl, leading to a better infusion and providing a richer taste. The sealed bag is great for keeping the aroma and freshness locked in the tea leaves for longer,” comments Cuisine At Home.

3. Choice Organics Jasmine Green Tea

Choice Organics Jasmine Green Tea has the honor of the third spot on our list, with a perfectly balanced and not at all overpowering flavor. “A cup of Choice Organics Jasmine Green Tea is a lovely way to begin the day (or finish it!). It’s a delicate blend of green tea and jasmine flower aroma. The green tea mix is flavored with a delicate scent of sweetness from the jasmine petals. Comparatively, the caffeine content of eight ounces of coffee is roughly 90 mg, whereas each green tea bag will offer you about 30 mg. And you can be assured that you’re consuming a healthy beverage. Featuring all-natural and with only the finest ingredients, the tea offers a healthy alternative to sugary beverages,” observes The Street.

“The caffeine level is perfect, and after experimenting with steep times, it never becomes bitter like the other green tea brands. Everyone loved the jasmine flavor and agreed that it struck the perfect balance and wasn’t too strong. Some of us preferred to drink it without any additions because the jasmine was the perfect touch, but others found that it tasted even better with lemon and either honey or agave,” notes Eat This, Not That!

“This green tea is super fragrant while it steeps, but don’t let that trick you into thinking that it’s going to go down like a bottle of grandma’s perfume. Of all the jasmine teas we tasted, this one had the most pleasant and harmonious floral flavor by far. Rather than masking the tea, the jasmine really complements the pleasant-tasting green tea. I definitely still want bath products that smell like this, but it’s nice that it doesn’t only taste like something you’d soak in,” writes Sporked.

4. Bigelow Classic Green Tea

The fourth spot is dedicated to Bigelow’s Classic Green Tea. An always trusty pick if you’re in a bind at your local grocery store. “Green tea can be expensive, depending on the variety and brand. Bigelow Classic Green Tea offers an affordable alternative. Their green tea leaves are hand-picked from high elevated gardens, and each tea bag is packaged in a foil packet to protect it from air, moisture, and other aromas that might affect the flavor,” explains VeryWellFit.

“Bigelow was one of the most potent of the pack, but it had a nuttiness and slight bitterness that made it rank a bit lower than others. We did appreciate, however, how green tea-forward the bag was, making it an ideal option for green tea baking (if matcha is too intense). All in all, it was solid,” says Today.

“The great thing about the Bigelow Green Tea is that it’s packed with essential antioxidants, making it a complete delight for your taste buds as well as a healthy choice to improve your heart health. And, since it’s available in five varieties — classic, organic, green tea with ginger, matcha green tea with turmeric, and a variety pack with even more flavors to choose from — you’re sure to find one that suits you. Or maybe get all the flavors and try them all,” comments Cuisine At Home.

5. Twinings Green Tea 

Last but certainly not least is Twinings Green Tea. A fairly popular brand that sometimes goes overlooked, “I was quite shocked to find Twinings on this list since it’s not typically my go-to tea brand, but everyone agreed that it was exactly what they need when a craving for a straight-up, no-frills cup of green tea strikes. They also said it was light enough to drink multiple cups of while not becoming bitter if left to steep for too long. Though typically a proud dissenter, I couldn’t help but agree, which means I have yet another brand to keep in mind while shopping,” reports Today.

“The classics stay classic for a reason, and this tasty blend is no different. If you are looking for the grassy, slightly tannic flavors that are associated with a strong green tea, then this is your best bet,” describes Delish.

“This green tea is sourced directly from Zhejiang Province, which is located on the southeastern coast of China. This province has a humid subtropical climate with the perfect combination of sunshine and rain to yield smooth, fresh, and natural-tasting tea. So, with this pick, you know you’ll be getting something special,” concludes Cuisine At Home.

What makes a quality green tea?

So you might be left wondering why some green teas are considered higher quality than others? There are plenty of factors that separate these higher-end teas from others.  The best green teas often come from regions with ideal climate and soil conditions. Traditional areas in China and Japan, for instance, are renowned for their high-quality green tea.

The way the tea leaves are processed significantly affects quality too. Handpicked leaves, gentle steaming (for Japanese teas) or pan-firing (for Chinese teas), and careful drying are signs of high-quality processing. Good storage conditions are vital to maintain quality. Exposure to air, light, or moisture can degrade the tea. Freshness also plays a role – the sooner the tea is consumed after processing, the better its quality.

Generally, but not always, higher quality green teas are more expensive due to the care in cultivation and processing.

Here are some additional tips to consider if you’re looking to become a true green tea connoisseur:

• Whole Leaf Wonders: Ditch the dust and broken bits! Look for loose leaf teas with whole, vibrant leaves. They offer superior flavor, aroma, and antioxidant potential.
• Freshness First: Time is of the essence! Green tea loses its magic over time. Seek out recently harvested teas, ideally within a year, for peak flavor and potency.
• Origin Story: Explore the world! Different regions produce vastly different green teas. Japanese Sencha offers grassy notes, Chinese Dragonwell boasts nuttiness, while Gunpowder from China delivers a smoky punch.

Brewing Brilliance:

• Temperature Talk: Respect the delicate leaves! Use lower water temperatures (70-80°C) for Sencha and Gyokuro, slightly higher (80-90°C) for Dragonwell and Gunpowder.
• Steeping Secrets: Time matters! Shorter steeps (30-60 seconds) for lighter teas, longer steeps (2-3 minutes) for bolder varieties. Over-steeping leads to bitterness, so keep an eye on the clock!
• Water Wisdom: Pure, filtered water is your friend. Hard water can negatively impact the taste and color of your tea.

The Sensory Symphony:

• Color Cues: A vibrant green or jade hue is a good sign. Brown or yellow leaves indicate age or improper processing.
• Aromatic Allure: Breathe deep! Fresh green tea should offer subtle aromas of grass, seaweed, or even fruitiness. Avoid musty or pungent scents.
• Flavor Fireworks: Each sip should be a unique journey. Look for complex, layered flavors like fresh grass, toasted nuts, seaweed, or floral notes. Avoid bitterness or astringency, which can indicate over-steeping or poor quality.

Beyond the Basics:

• Organic Matters: Consider organic, ethically sourced teas. This supports sustainable farming practices and ensures higher quality leaves.
• Flavor Fusion: Experiment! Green tea pairs beautifully with fruits, herbs, even spices. Discover your own signature blend.
• Mindful Moments: Make brewing a ritual. Savor the process, the aromas, the warm cup in your hands. Green tea is more than just a drink; it’s a moment of mindful escape.